The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-01
Friends oftheIsatter Try to Prevent the Fight,
While Boulanger's Supporters Are Fear
full Lest the Statesman Be Killed.
An Edinburgh Paper Indulges in Rather
Severe Criticism of Mr. Blaine.
Mr.. Jay Gould Astonishes European Finan-
ciers by Obtaining Franchise and Found
ing Big Bank in Ghina-Cable Notes.
THE BoULANGER-FERRY QUARREL

1t Will Be Settled To-Day by Duel at Some
Point on the Swiss Frontier.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
LONDON, July 31-The encounter between
Jules Ferry and General Boulanger, which is
expected to take place tomorrow at point on
the Swiss frontier, will be one of the most i'm
portant events in the history OF dueling if the
amount of interest shown in the affair before
hand is to be taken as an indication of its
gravity. The matter is the almost universal
topic of discussion in the clubs and cafes of this
city, while in Paris the excitement over it IS
described as unprecedented English people,
who generally sneer at the tendency of their
southern neghbors to resort to the code
slight provocation, depart from this view in dis
cussng the present incident They admit
that under the circumstances General Boulanger
would have been poltroon mad he failed to de-
mand some satisfaction for III. Ferrys needless
insults, and the relative position of the two men
makes the duel the only mode of settlement
practicable. Frenchmen have always made it
one OF their leading defenses of the practice of
dueling that it tends to prevent wanton men
dacity ard unfounded personal accusations
among politicians by imposing upon every one
sense of serious responsibility for his utter
ances. Though many recent encounters on the
field of honor have lacked a motive which could
indicate this reasoning the present affair is not
open to that criticism. The calling OF NJ. Ferry to
account can hardly fail to check the vulgar abuse
which has been poured upon Gen. Boulanger
from all quarters, apparently for no better
son than that he is too brilliant and aggressive
soldier and statesman to suit the crowd of
mediocre who, since Gambettas death,
have divided public attention among themselves
without suffering too severely by comparison
with any genuine star of the first magnitude.
and who have cherished the hope of that COM
Portable state of things continuing 1t is posi-
BILE that the duel may not come off, after ali, but
no doubt is entertained tonight that it will be
fought either tomorrow within q few days.
NJ Ferrys friends trying to bring about a
settlement The Generals friends, on the
contrary are inclined to let the meet
ing take place, though they somewhat
anxious as to the possible effect upon their
hero's prospects should tho result be fatal to NJ
Ferry. Tney to indulge nc doubt that
General Boulaneer will come ont of this ordeal
unscathed and with his reputation for GOODNESS,
bravery and skill enhanced; but they realize
that the tragic taking off OF prominent a pub
lie servant NJ. Ferry would De used
effective weapon against Boulanger among a
certain large class of the French people. The
duel will undoubtedly be with pistols, as NJ.
Ferry has the choice of weapons and is badly
out of sword practice.
LATER.-It IS reported that as NJ. Ferry's Sec
onds are absent from Paris the duel between
himself and Gen. Boulanger, which was ap-
pointed for tomorrow, will, of necessity, be
postponed until Tuesday. The absence of the
seconds oblges M. Ferry to appoint others, or
else the duel will be delayed.